Apply for a New Vending Machine License

Florida law requires owners of new public food service and new owners of existing establishments to obtain a license from the division before operating. The application process described below is for a NEW VENDING MACHINE LICENSE ONLY.

Application Requirements:

ELIGIBILITY: If your operation does not meet the following definition, please return to the previous page to select the correct one.

Vending Machine -Vending machines are any self-service devices licensed pursuant to Chapter 509, FS, which, upon insertion of coin or token, or by other means, dispense unit servings of potentially hazardous food, either in bulk or packaged, without the necessity of replenishing the device between each operation. All vending machine owners shall submit the serial number of each vending machine to the division on the application for license.It is the responsibility of the vending machine owner to maintain an accurate and current list of vending machine locations with the corresponding serial number. This list shall be made available to the division upon request. The division shall coordinate with the vending machine owner to schedule inspections with the assistance of the owner or its agent with the capability to open and demonstrate the machine. [Rule 61C-1.002(5)(a)5., Florida Administrative Code]

APPLICATION: Obtain and complete the Public Food Service License Application Packet in Microsoft Word or Fill-in PDF (also referenced at the bottom of this page). The application packet includes instructions for making application and the following form:

LICENSE FEES: Annual license fees are listed on our food service fee website and are based in part on the county your establishment is located and when you wish to open.The division divides the state into 7 licensing districts according to county. Licenses expire each year at the following times:

District 1 - October 1

District 2 - December 1

District 3 - February 1

District 4 - April 1

District 5 - June 1

District 6 - June 1

District 7 - December 1

If you wish to begin operation within six months or less of your expiration date, you are required to pay only a half-year fee.

The division mails renewal reminder notices about 60 days prior to expiration.Therefore, if you are applying within this period, we allow you to purchase a license that will authorize you to operate for up to 14 months for 1.5 times the license fee. (Unfortunately, this option is NOT currently available for online applications).If you apply online within 60 days, or do not opt for the 14-month license, you need to be mindful when your license expires so you can renew before expiration, since the division may not send a reminder.

If you are applying more than six months prior to the expiration date, the full-year fee must be paid.

All new and change of ownership applications must include a $50 application fee.This fee is in addition to the annual license fee.

To assist you in determining the correct fee, the division has provided a license fee calculator.This calculator requires Microsoft Excel®. To download software to use the calculator, please go to Excel Viewer.

The appropriate license fee must be paid to the division before a license will be issued. If plan review is required, the plan review fee must also be paid and the plan approved before a license will be issued. Please make checks payable to the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. For assistance in determining the correct license fee, please contact the department at 850.487.1395.

OPENING INSPECTION: All new licensees are required to pass a sanitation and safety inspection prior to opening. After meeting all requirements of the plan review (if applicable) and submitting your license application and fees, contact the department at 850.487.1395 to schedule an opening inspection.

MORE INFO: For more information about our licensing process and other government requirements, please see our website. Use the Back button or arrow to return to this screen.

If you have questions or need assistance in completing this application, please call the Customer Contact Center at 850-487-1395.

Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact the office by phone or by traditional mail.
If you have any questions, please contact 850.487.1395. *Pursuant to Section 455.275(1), Florida Statutes, effective October 1, 2012, licensees licensed under Chapter 455, F.S. must provide the Department with an email address if they have one.
The emails provided may be used for official communication with the licensee. However email addresses are public record. If you do not wish to supply a personal address, please provide the Department with an email address which can be made available to the public.
Please see our Chapter 455 page to determine if you are affected by this change.